UK Anti-Doping ban 12th Welsh rugby player for drugs violation

Shaun Cleary's Maesteg Harlequins lie seventh in Welsh National League Division One West Central

Maesteg Harlequins lock Ryan Watkins has become the 12th Welsh rugby player to be suspended by UK Anti-Doping.

Watkins has been banned for four years after he tested positive for the anabolic steroid nandrolone and the stimulant methylhexaneamine.

He joins team-mate Shaun Cleary, who has been banned for two years as benzoylecgonine, a cocaine metabolite, was found in his system.

Both players tested positive before a friendly against Bridgend Ravens RFC.

UKAD Director of Legal, Graham Arthur said: "Ryan Watkins deliberately ingested nandrolone and methylhexaneamine without any consideration for his responsibilities as an athlete.

"By making this conscious choice to dope, Watkins has chosen to cheat his team-mates, the opposition and his sport.

"I hope this case will act as strong deterrent to other young amateur players - the risks to your playing career, your reputation and more importantly to your health, just aren't worth it."

Speaking about Cleary, Mr Arthur said: "Although Mr Cleary used cocaine three days before playing, cocaine was still in his system when he played.

"Cocaine is banned from sport and athletes are solely responsible for what is in their system, regardless of whether there is an intention to cheat or not."

Welsh Rugby Union chief executive Martyn Phillips said about Cleary: "This case serves as a strong warning to everyone in the game that non-compliance with anti-doping rules carries grave consequences.